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I believe Louis Briscoe was outstanding
Against Wrexham. He should start up front with either Bowman or Achepong.
Not sure which, thought Bowman had a poorish game v Wrexham but probably start with him and Duane on the bench.

Briscoe is a wide player, thought at times today the team missed Achepong. For me it's a no brainer Achepong/Bowman, but that would leave a difficult decision regards Ajala/Briscoe and Cameron.

Not sure Briscoe is quick enough for the wing but his close control is so good and his centre of gravity so low he is very difficult to knock off the ball whilst playing up front. He has a wicked shot too, unlike O'Achie. As long as we tried to play to feet or at least chest, he would be the ideal partner for Bowman. So I would try Ajala and Cameron on the wings with Bowman and Briscoe up front.

Hargreaves described the game turning today when Briscoe switched to a 'no.10 role' (Hargreaves' words - not mine). I thought Briscoe played that role well today and no reason why he couldn't next week. I would have Duane on the bench to come on if things aren't working out. Nice position to be in.

Thats a tough call - pleased to see Briscoe come good today. Out of the three of them the first starter has got to be O'Archie for me though. He looks a real menace to play against.

Bowman and Ofori for me, Briscoe and Cameron on the wings with Ajala to come off the bench at some point. Hard decisions though, but I just think Cameron has slightly more end product than Ajala.

Love it. We haven't had this at TUFC for a long time. Instead of, "oh God, he's bloody useless. We better replace him with....oh no he's even worse! Oh well, might as well use him again, FFS!" We now have, "who shall we play? He played really well there today, but that means he can't play? But if he plays as well, that means he can't play, FFS!"*

For me, Cameron should be dropped, he's had two very poor games and needs a kick up the backside! He should be the best player in this division! Having said that, that would mean Briscoe will be on the wing and he played much better in the "number ten role" as Hargreaves put it. But that means Ofori can't play (*see what I mean!?) and we did miss him today with his presence and calmness on the ball. We have the options going forward, it's the defence which is the issue.

Rice; Tonge, Pearce, Hutchings, Cruise; Briscoe, Richards, Young, Cameron; Bowman, O'Achie

Subs: Seabright, Ives, Wakefield, Ajala, Yeoman

Two centre-backs are a miss, but that leaves Chapell, Harding and Benyon outside the squad, so still plenty of options going forward.

The Telford defeat should be a warning as to what will happen if we don't play well. It's on TV too, so pick our best players and let them perform.

forevertufc wrote:Briscoe is a wide player, thought at times today the team missed Achepong. For me it's a no brainer Achepong/Bowman, but that would leave a difficult decision regards Ajala/Briscoe and Cameron.

I think that Briscoes days as a wide player are over he's got no legs, he's good in the box and his quick feet in the box won us the game but up to then when in the wide area's I could have done better and
I've got a new knee joint. Could be the answer to a third striker but if you went to Forrest Green or thought about the first half against Wrexham you would not play him wide as the fullbacks in our side are not good enough to play with no cover.

Modgull wrote:Not sure Briscoe is quick enough for the wing but his close control is so good and his centre of gravity so low he is very difficult to knock off the ball whilst playing up front. He has a wicked shot too, unlike O'Achie. As long as we tried to play to feet or at least chest, he would be the ideal partner for Bowman. So I would try Ajala and Cameron on the wings with Bowman and Briscoe up front.

I agree!

Briscoe has to play the "no 10" role he is far better there. Ajala more comfortable out wide. Duana as sub to bring and scare the opposition !!

This is a hard one for me. Always thought Briscoe would make a good striker and his performance on Saturday indicates so. Especially if he drops into the '10' role as it gives him a bit more space in the centre of the field, where he can exploit his clear ability.

Duane has improvved a lot recently and he scares defenders no end, whereas Bowman is just a great all round striker; a classic number 9 if you will.

I think I'd keep it how it is for now, with Briscoe just behind Bowman. That said, O'Achie has done nothing wrong and can feel duly gutted to be left out. He's a great weapon from the bench though.

Not sure if this would work, but what about using the old sweeper style formation - or is that what is now referred to as the diamond?.

Rice
Tonge Pearce Hutchings Cruise

Ajala/Cameron Young Richards

Briscoe

Bowman O'Achie

Given the view is that Briscoe's legs are not up to a winger's role, and he operated very effectively in and around the attack on Saturday, this might suit him and his talents and encourage Alfreton to play a 5-3-2 formation to offset Briscoe in the hole, which could keep some pressure off our midfield.

Upsettingly, we need just one more player on the pitch than we're allowed. We need the back five, that four man midfield, plus the two up front, but with Bowman in behind them, which makes 12. If we do slot him in there, who do we lose?

Back three with Pearce flanked by two others?

Lose one of the midfielders who have performed so well?

Lopsided three with Youngy flanked by two others?

Lose a striker, Bowman or Duane?

Tough call for the manager, but one I'm sure he'd infinitely prefer to the much more common, "oh ****, all my players are shit, what the **** do I do?" scenario with which we are so depressingly familiar.

Matt.

The last game was won so stick with the same as then, Briscoe up front alongside Bowman with Ajala on the wing. Only change needed is Hutchings in for Macdonald.

Maybe all of the yellow and red cards are planned to force squad rotation without ever actually having to drop anyone!